Patent Application
20080027404
The present invention relates to functional wipes that can be used in conjunction with an absorbent article. The functional wipes, such as, e.g., wet wipes, can be designed to have a more functional shape as compared to a standard rectangular wipe. The wipes can be designed to better fit a user's hand for an easier and more efficient usage experience. In certain embodiments, a wipe that has a functional shape can better clean the skin while keeping the user's hands clean. For example, the wipes can be square, oval, or heart shaped, generally square with rounded corners, or generally rectangular with rounded corners. In certain embodiments, the wipe can be in the shape of a mitt. The wipe can comprise an inner layer that reduces and/or prevents the user's hand from contacting the body exudates and/or any compositions that the wipe can include. In certain embodiments, the wipe can be individually packaged and can be joined to a sanitary napkin that can be individually packaged.
The combination of a wipe with an absorbent article can provide one or more of several advantages. For example, the wipe can provide for cleansing, which can provide the wearer with increased comfort, physically and/or emotionally. The use of the wipe can also provide a reduction in the odor and/or perceived odor associated with menstruation or other bodily exudates. In addition, the use of the wipe can provide emotional benefits to the user by providing a feeling of freshness and/or cleanliness.
As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to devices that absorb and/or contain a substance, such as, for example, body exudates. A typical absorbent article can be placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body.
“Individually packaged,” as used herein, means that only one item is packaged a particular package.
“Absorbent article combination” as used herein refers to an absorbent article with a wipe joined thereto.
As used herein the term “joined” refers to the condition where a first member or component is attached, affixed, or otherwise physically connected to a second member or component either directly or indirectly. An example of an indirectly joined member or component might be where the first member or component is affixed or connected to an intermediate member or component that in turn is affixed or connected to the second member or component. The joined relationship between the first member or component and the second member or component can be fixedly or releasably.
As used herein the term “fixedly joined” refers to a connection that cannot be unattached without at least partially destroying one of the attached components. As used herein the term “releasably joined” refers to a connection that is meant to be easily released.
As used herein, the term “wipe” refers to a piece of material that can be used to clean a user's skin or a surface. The wipe can be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, nonwoven material, paper material, woven material, knitted material, tufted material, stitch-bonded material incorporating binding yarns or filaments, or material felted by wet-milling. Nonwoven material as used herein is “a manufactured sheet, web or batt of directionally or randomly orientated fibers, bonded by friction, and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, excluding paper and products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded incorporating binding yarns or filaments, or felted by wet-milling.” “ISO 9092:1988, Textiles-Nonwovens-Definition” International Organization for Standardization, 1988. As such, the wipe can be a “nonwoven wipe,” that is, a wipe comprising a nonwoven substrate. The wipe can also be a “paper wipe,” that is, a wipe comprising a paper substrate, such as, for example, a wet-laid substrate like toilet tissue or facial tissue.
The term “wet wipe” as used herein refers to a wipe that includes a substrate that is moistened with any solution prior to packaging and/or use.
As used herein, the term “mitt” refers to a covering for a user's hand, such as, e.g., a covering having an enclosure that leaves the fingers unseparated and that can include space for the thumb in the main enclosure or that can provide space for the thumb in a separate enclosure for the thumb, or a covering with an enclosure for each finger, such as, e.g., a glove.
As used herein, the term “glove” refers to a covering for the hand having separate sections for each finger.
As used herein, the term “functional shape,” with respect to wipes, refers to a shape that can provide a better fit for a user's hands and/or for an easier and/or more efficient usage experience.
The term “image” when used with reference to printing includes, for example, any type of mark, figure, picture, identification code, symbol, icon, pattern, or text, such as, e.g., a word, nomenclature, number, sentence, or instruction. An image can also be a line, line segment, curved line, band, arrow, area of coloration, or any other printed indicia having a purpose of providing a signal or guide to the user.
The sanitary napkin 21 shown in
In certain embodiments, the sanitary napkin 21 can comprise a pair of flaps that each extend from a longitudinal side margin. Suitable sanitary napkins are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,346,486; 5,009,653; 4,950,264; 4,917,697; 4,687,478; 4,589,876; and 4,285,343. In such embodiments, the flaps of the sanitary napkin 21 are folded over the topsheet in a topsheet facing relationship, and the pouch 25 containing the wipe 23 is releasably affixed to the flaps such that the topsheet facing relationship is maintained. Such an arrangement is described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,911,022.
Any pouch 25 suitable for holding a wipe can be used. In certain embodiments, the pouch 25 can be separate from the absorbent article prior to attachment. For example, a pouch separate from an absorbent article may not comprise a component of the absorbent article. In other embodiments, the releasable wrapper 22 can comprise a flap (or pouch 25) to contain a wipe. A suitable flap (or pouch 25) is described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,556,146 and 5,569,230. Alternatively, the absorbent article comprises a releasable paper wrapper 22 that surrounds the absorbent article to form an individual package and the pouch 25 comprises a portion of the releasable paper wrapper 22, such as, for example, the pouches described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,230.
With respect to the sanitary napkin 21 shown in
Although
In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 can be individually packaged and can be joined to the absorbent article. One individually packaged wipe 23 can be joined to one individually packaged absorbent article, more than one individually packaged wipe 23 can be joined to one individually packaged absorbent article, one individually packaged wipe 23 can be joined to more than one absorbent article that can be individually packaged, more than one wipe packaged together can be joined to one or more individually packaged absorbent articles, one or more individually packaged wipes can be joined to one or more absorbent articles packaged together, or any suitable combination. In certain embodiments, the wipe can be individually packaged, but is not joined to the absorbent article. For example, the wipes can be packaged in individual pouches and a plurality of individual pouches containing wipes can be packaged with absorbent articles in the same exterior packaging or the plurality of individual pouches can be packaged in a different exterior package from that of the absorbent article. The wipes and the absorbent articles can be co-marketed, such as, e.g., designed to be sold and/or used together, such as, for example, for the same purpose. Alternatively, a plurality of wipes can be packaged together in a common package and then packaged with absorbent articles in the same exterior packaging or the plurality of wipes can be packaged together in a common package that is different from that of the absorbent article. In certain embodiments, a plurality of individually packaged wipes are packaged with a plurality of individually packaged absorbent articles wherein the individual package of one or both of the absorbent article or the wipe is provided with an attachment means that allows attachment of the wipe 23 to the absorbent article, such as described in, for example, WO 2005/115295.
In certain embodiments, a plurality of wipes is packaged together. The wipes can be packaged in individual pouches and then packaged in any suitable packaging. Alternatively, the wipes can be packaged together, such as, for example, in a stack, and then packaged in packaging, such as, for example, a hard-sided container or tub; or a soft-sided package such as a pouch 25 or bag.
The wipe 23 can be any size and/or shape suitable for cleansing the skin or providing other benefits when using or changing an absorbent article. In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 can be designed to have a more feminine, more ergonomic, and/or more functional shape as compared to a standard rectangular wipe 23. For example, the wipe 23 can be designed to better fit a user's hand for an easier and more efficient usage experience.
In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 can be in the shape of a mitt, such as, for example, the mitt 40 shown in
The mitts illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 can be generally square in shape. For example, the wipe 23 can have four sides that are at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95% the same in length. In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 can be generally square in shape with rounded corners. In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 can be generally oval, generally heart-shaped, and/or generally round in shape. The wipe 23 can have any dimensions suitable for cleansing the skin and/or garments and/or for providing other benefits. In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 can be greater than or equal to about 4 square inches (about 25 square centimeters) in size, greater than or equal to about 9 square inches (about 50 square centimeters) in size, less than or equal to about 225 square inches (about 1,450 square centimeters) in size, between about 16 square inches (about 100 square centimeters) and about 50 square inches (about 320 square centimeters), or about 35 square inches (about 225 square centimeters) in size.
In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 can have at least one region, edge, and/or periphery that can be non-linear. When cutting a first wipe 23 having at least one region, edge, and/or periphery that can be non-linear and a second wipe 23 having at least one region, edge, and/or periphery that can be non-linear from a larger piece of substrate, it can be desirable to align one or more of the regions, edges, and/or peripheries of the first wipe and second wipe together when cutting the first wipe and second wipe from the substrate, for example, such that waste is reduced. Thus, in certain embodiments, when cutting a wipe 23 having at least one non-linear region from a web, the wipe 23 can have a region that adjoins the edge of the previous wipe cut from the web.
The wipe 23 can be printed. In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 can be embossed. At least one or all of the embossed depressions can have therein a substance such as ink to provide visible color, for example, as described in WO 04/057110, or U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,270. The color can also be on a separate layer, such that upon embossing, color shows through the embossed portion, thereby giving the appearance of having been printed in registration with the embossment.
The wipe 23 can be a nonwoven wipe 23 comprising a substrate comprising a nonwoven web of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers wherein the substrate is not considered paper. Suitable natural fibers include, e.g., cellulosic fibers, such as wood pulp fibers, cotton, and rayon. Suitable synthetic fibers include fibers commonly used in textiles, such as, for example, polyolefins, such as polyester and polypropylene fibers. In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 is a nonwoven wipe 23 comprising a substrate that comprises viscose rayon and/or wood pulp. Alternatively, the wipe 23 can be a paper wipe, such as, e.g., a wipe 23 comprising a substrate that is made of a wet-laid material in a manner similar to toilet tissue or facial tissue. In certain embodiments, the wipe can comprise silk.
The wipe 23 can be “flushable”, that is, it is of a size of is capable of disintegrating to pieces sufficiently small such that when flushed in a toilet and when being transported in the sewer system, it does not plug any element of a sewer system. Any wrapping material associated with the wipe 23, such as, for example, the pouch 25 material, can also be flushable. Wrapping materials that meet such criteria can include, for example, water soluble materials, such as, e.g., silicone-treated polyvinyl alcohol films, films coated with a polyvinyl alcohol, and tissue coated or impregnated with polyvinyl alcohol. Suitable materials are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,421.
The wipe 23 can be a wet wipe that comprises a liquid-based cleansing solution. The wipe 23 can also, or alternatively, be scented. In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 can comprise a nonwoven fabric that includes a cleansing solution. The cleansing solution can include, for example, surfactants, alcohols, fragrance compositions, antimicrobial agents, pH buffers, and combinations thereof. The wipe 23 can also contain substances such as silicones that can inhibit body exudates from adhering to the user's body. The cleaning solution can also contain skin conditioning substances similar to those used in hand lotions, such as, e.g., aloe and Vitamin E; other substances for applying to the skin, such as, e.g., witch hazel; or any other substances known in the art for inclusion in wet wipes.
The wipe 23 can comprise a lotion, such as, for example, an aqueous or non-aqueous lotion. In certain embodiments, the lotion can increase the cleaning capabilities of the wipe 23 by aiding removal of soiling from the skin. The lotion can also provide skin benefits by reducing friction between the skin and the wipe 23 and/or by containing materials that can soothe the skin, such as, for example, aloe or chamomile. Examples for suitable lotions are disclosed in, for example, EP 808151; EP 763,341; and WO 00/57843.
One or more fragrance compositions can be included in the cleansing solution in order to produce a scented wipe 23. Alternatively, the one or more fragrance compositions can be included in the wipe 23 separately from any cleansing solution such as, for example, by applying the fragrance composition to the wipe 23 prior to, after, or instead of any cleansing solution that can be added. Another example might be a wipe 23 that includes a separate component such as, for example, a carrier material comprising a fragrance composition. Additionally, the one or more fragrance compositions can be disposed together or separately on at least a portion of the wipe 23.
Other embodiments can include dry wipes or wipes containing non-aqueous cleaning solutions such as, for example, mineral oils, and the emollient described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,243.
In certain embodiments, the wipe 23 can be packaged in a pouch 25. Any suitable pouch 25 for holding a wipe 23 can be used. For example, the pouch can be made of paper and/or other suitable materials, such as, e.g., polyethylene. When the wipe 23 is a wet wipe, any pouch 25 suitable for maintaining the wetness of the wipe 23 can be used. For example, the pouch 25 can comprise at least one barrier material suitable for preventing evaporation of moisture from the wipe 23 can be used. Suitable barrier materials include, for example, laminates with a layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), propylene vinyl alcohol (PVOH), or aluminum sandwiched between polymeric film layers, such as LDPE (low density polyethylene); metallized, such as aluminized plastic films; metal foils; oriented polyethylene terephtalate (PET); PETG (glycol-modified PET); oriented polyamide; aromatic polyamide; or polymeric films like polyethylene films. In certain embodiments, the pouch 25 comprises paper and/or foil. Also, or alternatively, the pouch 25 can comprise an inner layer comprising polyethylene (PE), an outer layer comprising a copolymer of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) and a subjacent intermediate layer comprising polypropylene (PP).
In certain embodiments, one or more sides of the pouch 25 can be sealed to prevent substantial evaporation of the liquid solution from the time the product is manufactured to the time it is used by the consumer. Any number of sealing mechanisms can be used including, for example, heat and/or pressure seals, ultrasonic seals, glue seals, zippered track sealing systems such as Dow Company's “ZIP LOCKS” or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the pouch 25 can be hermetically sealed. In addition, the pouch 25 can be lined with foil, or other suitable material to further reduce evaporation.
The pouch 25 can include a means for unsealing (or opening) the pouch 25 in order to access a wipe 23 contained therein. For example, the pouch 25 can have a scored or die cut line of weakness to allow the pouch 25 to be opened easily with a tab, easy peel label or any other opening mechanism; a “Dry-edge” sticker mechanism, such as, e.g., a sticker with a dry edge for grasping; releasable adhesives; releasable heat and/or pressure seals; perforations; rupture seals; tear seals; or the pouch 25 can be made of a relatively easy to tear material such as, for example, an easy to tear film.
Any suitable joining means can be used to attach the pouch 25 and absorbent article of the absorbent article combination 20. In certain embodiments, the joining means on the outside of the package of the wipe 23 can be selected and applied such that a sufficient degree of joining between the package of the absorbent article and the pouch 25 of the wipe 23 is generated. Any suitable adhesive can be used to join the absorbent article and the pouch 25, such as, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, hot melt adhesive, cold melt adhesive, or solvent-based adhesives. The adhesive can be applied to the absorbent article and/or pouch 25 as a continuously coated area or as a pattern, such as, e.g., dots, stripes, spirals, or beads. In certain embodiments, the absorbent article and the pouch 25 can be joined by one or more mechanical fasteners. Suitable mechanical fasteners include, for example, hook and loop fasteners.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.
All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
